No Turkeys

[Reddirt24]

I have been hunting my farm that is around 300 ac for almost 10 years and very rarely have I had more than one gobbler on the property. Hens are a few and far between when I have cameras out and I rarely see any while hunting in the spring or fall either one. The property is made up of hardwoods and creek bottom fields. The one conclusion I have come to is that the fields on my property and the surrounding properties (close to 175 ac) are cut for hay every year or is kept mowed. Every year it seems that I hear of at least one nests that has been hit when cutting too. Is this the reason for the lack of turkeys or is there something more?

 

[Reddirt24]

The property was select cut a couple years ago too which I thought would've helped, but I have not seen any change yet.

 

[PalsPal]

Do you see a lot of birds on surrounding properties?

The select cut should have helped with nesting sites, etc.

 

[Reddirt24]

Not on any adjoining properties. I know of people that hunt and have quite a bit of success a mile or less from me though.

 

[Boll Weevil]

There could be a number of other contributing factors in addition to what you've already noted. Nest predators, disease, and how the adjoining properties are being used may also have some impact. Turkeys have a much bigger home range than most folks realize and elements like agriculture and timber can have a huge impact on a local turkey population.

 

[Reddirt24]

There are quite a few nest predators in the area, especially raccoons. I definitely need to start trapping them.

 

[knightrider]

There are quite a few nest predators in the area, especially raccoons. I definitely need to start trapping them.

coons , skunks,coyotes and bobcats are not your friend if you want turkeys!!

 

[drrxnupe]

Coons are your worst enemy...lil freakin nest thieves!